Family Friendly Fun: 8 Winter Activities for Kids in Albany County
Looking for ways to get the kids out of the house this chilly winter season or ideas for how to spend the upcoming February break?
We've got you covered! Bundle up and enjoy the beauty of winter with family-friendly outdoor adventures or enjoy indoor activities that include learning new skills, using your creativity, or fun and games for the whole family. Scroll on to find ways your family can beat the winter blues in Albany County.
1. Skate the Day Away at Local Ice-Skating Rinks
There are plenty of places to ice skate throughout Albany County! From Albany's iconic ice-skating rink at the Empire State Plaza to indoor rinks and scenic ponds, ice skating is a great way to spend a winter day. Plus, the Empire State Plaza offers Learn to Skate Clinics for skaters of all ages and skill-levels.
Learn more about Albany's ice skating locations below:
2. There's Snow Much Fun to Have in Albany County
There's plenty of ways to take advantage of a snowy day in Albany County. Strap on some snowshoes and explore the Pine Bush Preserve, Pine Hollow Arboretum, Thacher Park, Ann Lee Pond Nature Preserve, Huyck Preserve or Five Rivers Environmental Education Center. Or take on popular sledding hills at Lincoln Park, Washington Park, Tawasentha Park or Elm Avenue Park.
Find more ways to enjoy a wintertime adventure below:
3. Learn About Nature During the Wintertime
The winter may be a popular time for people and animals to stay quiet and cozy, but there's still plenty to learn about nature during this time. The Pine Bush Preserve offers special winter experiences to discover more about the plants and animals of the rare habitat. For those shorter winter days, the preserve offers a collection of ways to "Discover the Night."
Thacher State Park is also a great location to learn more about nature. Visit the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center offering discovery opportunities for explorers of all ages.
4. Learn a New Skill During a Children's Baking Class
Staying indoors and learning a new skill is a great way to spend a chilly winter day. Nelly's Treats in Cohoes offers a series of youth baking classes each month.
5. Adventure into Other Worlds with Family-Friendly Performances, Film Screenings, and Story Hours
Whether on a page, on a screen, or on a stage, there are plenty of exciting stories for children to watch or listen to this winter in Albany County.
During winter break, Stuyvesant Plaza is filled with family-friendly experiences, from interactive storytimes paired with sweet treats to creative workshops like cookie decorating, bath bomb making, friendship bracelet crafting, and even a princess-themed pizza party. Geared toward children in primary grades, enjoy the Neighbors for Neighbors' Story Hour at Capital Repertory Theatre once a month.
For the upcoming school break, head over to the Palace Theater on Tuesday, February 17 for a M&T Bank Family Fun Day. The event offers a free screening of Disney's Frozen with accompanying activities.
6. Get Crafty with Art Making Opportunities
Stay indoors and make masterpieces this winter at a local art studio in Albany County and beyond! The Pottery Place in Stuyvesant Plaza offers fun, ready-to-paint pottery pieces. Kids can choose anything to paint from their favorite animal to a new piggy bank. Or stop by the Albany Institute of History & Art for one of their Art for All workshops every second Saturday of the month. Visitors of all ages can create art pieces inspired by the museum's collections. Albany Center Gallery offers Art. Work. Space workshops for local youth on the second Saturday of each month. In partnership with The RED bookshelf and Honest Weight Food Co-Op, the classes are led by a local artist and have covered everything from mural painting to clothing design to comic book making.
7. Explore Albany County's Museums
Stay warm and let creativity flourish this winter! Regional museums are offering plenty of events to keep little learners busy during the chilly months. Join the Albany Institute of History & Art for their Art for All or Sketch in the Galleries programs with craft activities inspired by exhibits at the museum. The New York State Museum is also offering winter children’s programming.
8. Find Fun & Games for the Whole Family
Have a family fun day at one of Albany County's indoor venues. Visit Dick's House of Sport in Latham and take on the rock wall. Or make a trip to Crossgates Mall and play the day away at Dave & Busters, find your way through an adventure at 5 Wits, or enjoy a round of mini golf that's out of this world at Space Adventure Mini Golf.
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